The netbook will feature a 1.6GHz Via C7-M processor, an 80GB hard drive, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, a 1.6GHz Via C7-M processor and Bluetooth. It will also have a 10-inch display and will start at $610.

And though it’s only linked in name to the old Commodores, it will no doubt gain considerable attention because of it. Nostalgia wins many over and it may very well do it in this case. I mean, this one is an IBM inside, but for the Commodore name, a devoted few will shell out the cash.

[via Boing Boing Gadgets]

Otherwise, the Vision 6 ECO has both analog and DMB-T digital terrestrial tuners.  Grundig plan to introduce high-definition DMB-T MPEG4 sets in its Vision 6 range in 2009, when terrestrial HD over-the-air broadcasts begin in Europe, as well as sets with combination DMB-T and DMB-C (digital cable) tuners.

The Grundig Vision 6 ECO range will be available in October 2008.  Two panel sizes will be available initially, 26-inches and 32-inches, although the company is yet to announce pricing.

As well as Blu-ray discs, the Grundig player can handle DVDs, DVD +/- R/RW, DVD +/- R DL, CD, CD R/RW, HD-JPEG and MP3 files.  Build quality seemed fair, albeit a little plasticy, but the player as a whole is relatively compact and discrete.

Grundig expect the GDP 8800 BD to be available in December 2008.  MRSP is €399 ($585).

CDs can be ripped directly to the internal hard-drive, with the Audion 8 getting ID3 tag information from the Freedb online database, or to an SD card, attached USB memory stick or PMP.  It will play back media files stored on networked computers or NAS, as well as act as a UPnP server for internet media players. 

More than 10,000 internet radio stations are available, categorized by music type, interest and other factors, together with the ability to download and save podcasts directly to the Audion 8.  Control is via the remote and the large color LCD, as well as touch-sensitive buttons on the front panel, and additional devices can be connected via the AUX and USB ports.

No word on availability or price, sadly, and Grundig had the Audion 8 locked up in a perspex box so we couldn’t have a proper play. 

The speakerbar, meanwhile, has an array of 16 directional cones that bounce sound off of walls to create the impression of surround sound.  A dual-cone subwoofer lurks around the back. 

Connectivity include four HDMI v1.3 ports, and as long as the attached sources adhere to the HDMI v1.3 CEC specification the Vision 9′s remote control will be able to operate them.  Available in September, the Grundig Vision 9 will be available in 37-inch, 42-inch and 47-inch sizes.

The screen pales in comparison with rivals and the body, while solidly built, feels larger than it should.  Menus and the GUI in general could do with taking a lesson from Samsung’s cellphone team; the Q1 is uninspiring.

The frustrations don’t end there.  Apple might get away with using a proprietary connector since they hold the greatest market share, but everyone else is slowly migrating to some form of USB and Samsung should really do the same.  Meanwhile the capacitive touch-sensitive controls basically just replace hard buttons, rather than offering scrolling gestures; that makes the Q1 actually harder to use in a pocket.

We didn’t have enough of an opportunity to test the DNSe 3.0 audio processing Samsung have added, which the company claims can “upscale” lower bitrate tracks to sound higher quality.  If they can pull it off, it might be the Q1′s saving grace.

Expect the Samsung YP-Q1 to launch in October, available in white, black or silver.

While the LED-backlit 1280 x 800 13.3-inch display is gloss-finished, those preferring matte screens won’t find it as glossy as many notebooks we’ve seen.  It’s also bright and evenly-backlit, with decent color reproduction.  Samsung have given the X360′s keyboard a “Silver Nano Technology” coating, which apparently cuts down on bacteria; it also makes the keys look like they’re made from cheaper plastic. 

We couldn’t shut down and restart the X360 to test out Samsung’s claims of a 25 to 50-percent faster start up (with the 128GB SSD model), but our brief play once again convinced us that Centrino 2 is a nice step up from the old platform.  We’re looking forward to getting an X360 in to test properly.

The 4.1-inch 480 x 272 OLED touchscreen is bright, but its finger-friendliness is undermined by that raised bezel and some of the menus requiring either scrollwheel navigation or options too small to be accurately pressed.  It’s a shame, because the P20 certainly has the specs to offer: aside from audio/video playback there’s an FM radio, integrated DMB-TV, voice recording and TV-out connection.

Storage is either 80GB or 120GB, and the battery is rated for up to 12hrs audio, 9hrs video or 8hrs digital TV.  The P20 measures 130 x 97 x 20.5mm and will launch in Korea in September; iRiver are uncertain as to whether the PMP – missing digital TV most likely – will spread anywhere else after that.

Couple that one-handed operation with the convenience of a 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen, and you have a PMP that can be used on the move (even in a pocket) or, scrolling with the right hand and tapping with the left, more leisurely when you’re standing still.  If sheer storage is your guiding light then the iPod touch will best the SPINN – right now the iRiver’s memory maxes out at 16GB – but look beyond that (or, alternatively, wait until iRiver inevitably upgrade it) and you’ll have certainly a more interesting media player.

iRiver are planning a global launch in September and October, with the SPINN already proving popular in Korea.  This could be the first real competition the iPod has, so we’re hoping they’re busy working out the accessory and support ecosystem the SPINN will need to survive.

Round the back lurks a bright 2.7-inch LCD visible, we’re told, even in direct sunlight (its performance under the glaring show floor lighting did suggest this would turn out to be true). Since it’s a point-&-shoot there’s an Intelligent Auto mode that detects what you’re looking at and adjusts settings, focus and exposure to suit.

Advanced face detection can recognise up to 16 individual people, there’s digital image stabilization and the TruePic III image processor for faster shooting and saving. Either xD Picture Card or microSD memory cards can be used, and the µ 1040 can record VGA resolution video at 30fps.

No pricing yet, but the Olympus µ 1040 should be available in September.

Press Release:

Precision optics in an all-new super-slim metal body

The Olympus µ 1040: Great results in style

Hamburg, 25 August 2008 – Uniting powerful features in a completely redesigned super-slim metal body, the Olympus µ 1040 is an extremely elegant performer. Measuring in at a depth of just 16.5mm at its thin end, it combines a precision 3x zoom (38-114mm*) with such cutting-edge features as Advanced Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology. Furthermore, the new Intelligent Auto mode can detect the five most commonly-used scenes and then automatically adjust camera settings including focus and exposure. A large (6.9cm/2.7”) HyperCrystal LCD helps users frame and review their shots. In addition to the camera’s internal memory, photos can be stored on xD-Picture Card or – thanks to a bundled attachment – on microSD Card. The 10 Megapixel µ 1040 will hit stores from September 2008.

Style meets innovation

The Olympus µ 1040 represents a new generation of style. Its sleek, thin metal body really makes a statement and comes in a dazzling array of colours. These include Starry Silver, Midnight Black, Magma Red and Melon Yellow, with a sliding lens cover that enhances the µ 1040’s streamlined appearance. Rather than being cluttered with many buttons, a flat control panel serves to access most functions. This ensures easy navigation while simultaneously getting the hearts of minimal design enthusiasts racing.

High-tech features

The innovations incorporated in the Olympus µ 1040 make capturing picture-perfect images a breeze. New is the Intelligent Auto mode. It identifies the most commonly-used scenes and then applies the settings to subsequent photos. Advanced Face Detection Technology lets up to 16 faces be recognised by the camera. Matched with Shadow Adjustment Technology, which cleverly optimises shadowy areas in picture, you can be sure that your human subjects are always caught in the right light.

Thanks to Digital Image Stabilisation which boosts ISO values, crisp and sharp photos are assured – even in low-light situations. Meanwhile, the powerful TruePic III image processor enhances colour reproduction and image quality as well as boosting speed.

Take charge

With the Olympus µ 1040, you are in control. Perfect Shot Preview lets adjustments to the image be shown on the LCD in real time. This makes it easy to choose the right settings to achieve the best effects. In cases where further assistance might be required, the in-camera help guide puts solutions at your fingertips. Users also have a choice of up to 39 languages for the camera menu. In addition to internal memory, pictures can be stored to xD Picture Card, or – thanks to a bundled attachment – to microSD Card. And to ensure easy handling of photos on a computer, the multifaceted Olympus Master software is also included.

Available in Starry Silver, Midnight Black, Magma Red and Melon Yellow, the sleek and ultra-slim µ 1040 becomes available in September 2008.

The Olympus µ 1040 – main features:

· Miniature 3x optical zoom (38-114mm*) in super slim metal body (just 16.5mm at its thin end) to capture everything from great scenes to exciting close-ups

· 10 Megapixels to make poster-size prints

· The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically

· Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces, plus correct exposure of other image areas

· 6.9cm/2.7″ HyperCrystal LCD for excellent previews even in brilliant sunlight

· Digital Image Stabilisation for less blur even in low light

· TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality

· Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30 fps)

· xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatible

* Equivalent to a 35mm camera

microSD is a trademark of SD Card Association

Appendix

BrightCapture Technology

A technology developed for better shooting results in low light situations. It works in two ways: i) All available pixel information from the image sensor is used to provide a view on the LCD that’s up to four times brighter than conventional types, to make framing easy even in dark surroundings. ii) In certain shooting modes sensitivity is increased (resolution is sometimes reduced), which results in well-exposed images with accurate colour reproduction, high contrast and definition, even when not using the flash.

Digital Image Stabilisation

A special shooting mode, where the camera automatically increases ISO sensitivity to allow shorter shutter speeds – which helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or by fast-moving objects.

Advanced Face Detection Technology

A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed. Advanced Face Detection Technology can detect up to 16 faces.

HyperCrystal

A high-grade, fully-transmissive technology used in LCDs, which employs an additional layer at the bottom of the LCD to reflect light from external light sources. This enhances the brightness of the LCD, so even in direct sunlight images are displayed sharply and improved contrast compared to that of conventional displays. Also, it provides for particularly wide viewing angles without glare or shadow, so images can be framed from a variety of angles and viewed by several people at once.

In-Camera Panorama mode

A mode allowing users to instantly compose panoramas of approx. 130° right inside the camera. By framing each shot in step with the on-screen guide, exciting panoramic scenes can be stitched together for a more realistic and emotional depiction of any landscape or skyline. This mode is only available in conjunction with the use of an xD-Picture Card.

Intelligent Auto mode

This “intelligent” type of AUTO mode combines Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology to allow the camera to detect the five most commonly used scenes automatically. It enables the capture of perfect photos without any need for manual settings.

microSD compatibility

A special attachment comes bundled with this camera which provides for microSD Card compatibility in addition to being able to use xD-Picture Cards.

Shadow Adjustment Technology

A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g. a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

Perfect Shot Preview

Allows the effect of various settings to be previewed before shooting. Users can therefore be confident of capturing the image perfectly. The image appears in a multi-frame window on the LCD in real-time, making it easy to compare options and take the best possible shot.

TruePic III image processor

Olympus’ newest-generation image processing engine. It automatically enhances important aspects of image quality including: colour reproduction (colour range, saturation and brightness), picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as providing faster processing speeds.

Up to 40hrs music playback or 10hrs video playback is promised, as is support for a wide range of codecs including non-encrypted iTunes content and WMV-DRM.  Sony’s SensMe system, which creates playlists based on mood, is also present.

The S730F-series has a 3-way noise cancelling system that works in conjunction with the supplied 13.5mm EX headphones.  It can also be connected directly to plane AV system, combining in-flight entertainment with noise cancellation.  4GB and 8GB models will apparently be available in September, priced under $180.

Enhanced MPAII is present to reduce motion picture response time from 27ms to around 9ms, and to make the most of that each has DVI ports that support HDCP.  Screen brightness is rated at 300 nits.

The 2243Hz has four USB ports and MagicRotation (to re-orient the display if you turn physically turn the screen), while the 2233Hz has just two USB ports and does without any rotation.  No price or availability details as yet.

The glass column speaker is 6 feet tall, that vibrates with a 50 to 20,000Hz range. Other specs include a 13-cm subwoofer, a 7-cm mid and organic glass tweeter. The base is available in black or silver and has three LEDs that you can adjust in order to suit your mood.

Inputs are analog RCA, digital coax and optical TOS. Plus, this tubular creation supports 24bit/96kHz stereo linear PCM. If you have a lot of extra cash to spend, this Sony offering can be available to you for about $10,200.

Connections include dual v1.3 HDMI ports, and the EH-TW3000 is suitable both for temporary and permanent ceiling mounting. Both horizontal and vertical lens shift is possible, and there’s a 2.1x zoom range to get the best sized image for the space you have available. Fan noise is much reduced compared to rivals, too, at just 22dB.

x.v.Colour compatibility rounds out the package. The Epson EH-TW3000 will be available in October 2008, priced under €2,000 ($2,932).

Press Release:

Full high definition home cinema takes a new twist with Epson’s innovative EH-TW3000 projector

The new EH-TW3000 is leading the high definition revolution, combining numerous pioneering Epson technologies to provide a next-generation home cinema experience

29 August, 2008 – Worldwide leading projector manufacturer1 Epson has today launched a HD Ready 1080p projector that brings new levels of quality and performance across a range of applications. The EH-TW3000 is a home-cinema projector that brings a new look, new features and new levels of performance to movie, sports, television and gaming enthusiasts alike. Design has been at the heart of the EH-TW3000′s development and a contemporary white chassis makes it a sleek and subtle addition to any fashionable home.

The EH-TW3000 integrates Epson’s acclaimed 3LCD technology, resulting in more accurate colour reproduction and finer grey scaling in any light condition. Next generation D7 LCD panels offer enhanced image quality and an impressive 20,000:1 contrast ratio ensures clear, sharp and defined images as well as superb brightness for any light situation. This projector is in accordance with x.v.Colour standard and therefore ensures a wider colour production area to support perfectly smooth video playback.

Stéphanie Lugbull, Product Manager for Home Cinema Video Projectors, Epson Europe, says: “As we enter the HD era, projectors are becoming increasingly popular as an authentic home cinema experience, bringing the movie watching and gaming experience to life. Not only is the EH-TW3000 stylish and easy to install, a collection of exclusive innovations ensure extraordinary picture quality, brightness and versatility, all in full high definition.”

In addition to refined image quality, Epson has featured high video processing capabilities to guarantee optimal sharpness and fluidity of moving images, even when used in conjunction with the latest games consoles. The EH-TW3000 also includes a 10 bit Pixel Works video processor chip to bring added smoothness and clarity to even fast moving pictures on screen.

Despite its intricate technical capabilities, the EH-TW3000 is quick and easy to install and set up. A x2.1 optical zoom capability, and a wide horizontal/vertical lens shift, makes image adjustment flexible and easy in any environment. This projector also boasts wide connectivity options, including two HDMI version 1.3 inputs. A reduced fan noise means the viewer can focus on the movie and not on the sound of the projector.

Stéphanie Lugbull added: “Epson is at the forefront of HD home cinema development and the EH-TW3000 is testament to our continued innovation and improvement in this area. However, none of our investment in technological innovation has been passed on to the customer and what the EH-TW3000 offers in terms of performance, it matches in value for money.”

For peace of mind and to assure hours of big screen entertainment at home, Epson is providing a three year warranty to the projector and the lamp.

Epson EH-TW3000 key features summary:

HD ready 1080p (Full HD) with true high-definition 1920 x 1080p resolution >> wide screen for HD Cinema at home
Superior image quality with Epson’s 3LCD technology (D7 panel)
High contrast ratio of 20 000:1
Super-high brightness of 2000 Lumens
Wide colour space and full 10 bit video processing (Pixel Works scaler)
Wide connectivity (easy connection to DVD/Blu-ray player, digital TV Tuner, Set top box, games consoles, computers and digital cameras) with 2 x HDMI 1.3 inputs (true 1080p signal video processing)
Easy and flexible to install : convenient horizontal and vertical lens shift, ceiling mount possibility, wide range of projection distances, optical zoom x 2.1
Really quiet projection: 22 dB fan noise
Stylish and new white design
3 years warranty on projector and lamp
Under €2000 RRP including VAT (Early price. Final price to be confirmed in October 2008)

The projector itself is 3LCD based and produces a 16:9 image.  Connections include component video and USB, for plugging in memory keys with photo albums and music.  Epson also include a luminous remote control and carry-case with handle and DVD disc pouches.

It’s not going to set the entertainment world alight, and it’s not entirely portable as you do need a power cable, but Epson aren’t really aiming for the usual bleeding-edge early adopters.  Instead they’ll give the EH-DM2 a bargain sub-€600 (under $879) price tag when it launches in September.

Press Release:

Experience the fun of giant screen cinema anytime, anywhere with the new Epson EH-DM2

The EH-DM2 is the latest all-in-one projector from Epson. Incorporating a DVD player and surround speaker system, this projector provides a simple, true home entertainment experience for all the family.

29th August, 2008 – Epson, the worldwide leader in the video projector market for the past seven years1, today announces the launch of the portable EH-DM2, a home entertainment centre with a contemporary black design. This new projector, combined with a DVD player (with DivX compatibility) and surround sound speaker system, provides the whole family with an easy to use widescreen cinema experience.

Stéphanie Lugbull, Product Manager for Home Cinema Video Projectors at Epson Europe, says: “Simple to use and fun, the EH-DM2 is a dream come true for family and friends looking for quality home entertainment. This highly portable projector can be taken wherever the owner wishes with its convenient handle and stylish storage case; to a friend’s house or on holiday, you can even use it in your garden. Encompassing Epson’s 3LCD technology, this multi-feature product is perfect for the whole family.”

Two integrated 8 Watts stereo speakers bring virtual surround sound to the home cinema experience, whilst the EH-DM2 also offers a great brightness of 1200 lumens, and incorporates Epson’s innovative 3LCD technology to create clear, sharp images and allow for projection even in bright environments. The projector can be connected to computers, digital cameras, games consoles and USB keys – offering true multimedia compatibility. Gamers will love the easy connection between their game console and the EH-DM2 too, allowing them to enjoy surround sound gaming on the big screen.

Stéphanie Lugbull continues: “Whether you are viewing movies, television, sport, video games, holiday photos or listening to music, the giant screen cinema experience can now be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. Just plug in, sit back and enjoy.”

HD compatible and integrated with DVD and DivX player capabilities, this projector offers a wide range of connections such as component or USB slots for easy access to multimedia content. The EH-DM2 also incorporates a number of convenient features, including auto detection of DVD aspect ratio and disc format, great brightness for even light environments, a slide show function with music straight from a USB key and a self luminous remote control with direct access to main features of both the DVD function and projector. The projector and lamp also come with a three year warranty as standard.

Epson EH-DM2 key features summary:

Instant Home Entertainment centre to view DVD (or Dvix) on giant screen
Real Cinema experience (HD compatible, 16:9 aspect, great picture and sound quality)
Wide choice of connection: PC, USB, discs, TV tuner, digital camera, mp3 player
Compact and stylish black design
The most compact and portable entertainment centre integrating a handle and fashionable soft carrying case (with special pouch for DVD’s)
Easy installation: no cable required… except the power cable!
Great brightness (1200lm) for any environment lightening
3 years warranty (including lamp)
<€600 RRP including VAT – Available September 2008

For further information, please contact your local Epson representative. www.epson-europe.com

About the Epson Group

Epson is a global leader in imaging products including printers, 3LCD projectors and small- and medium-sized LCDs. With an innovative and creative culture, Epson is dedicated to exceeding the vision and expectations of customers worldwide with products known for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency.

Epson is a network of 88,925 employees in 109 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and to the communities in which it is located. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., the Group had consolidated sales of 1,347 billion yen in fiscal 2007.

At IFA 2008, Sony demonstrated the device, which is palm-sized and rolls and dances to music. It is not just a dancing speaker, however. The Rolly also possesses 2GB of flash memory, allowing you to store up to 520 songs to get your groove on to.

This music system is motion activated and there are wheels, arms and shoulders that all work together in order to make the device dance. A digital amp is also included along with the two stereo speakers on opposite ends of the device that produce excellent sound quality for anyone at any spot in the room. The Sony Rolly comes to Europe this October.

Rather than a separate lamp, color wheel and shutter that you would find in a normal projector, the LED system combines all three with a new algorithm to control each light precisely enough.  Delta are keen to point out the improved image quality, saturated color and dynamic contrast, but there is no word on brightness.

No word on pricing or availability, but Delta will be taking the projector to CEDIA 2008 next week and hopefully spilling more details there.  Still, I wouldn’t expect it to be cheap.

Connectivity includes WiFi b/g, three USB 2.0 ports (one used by the GKey), 10/100 ethernet, VGA and an SD/SDHC/MMC card reader. Screen size is 10-inches, running at 1024 x 600, while the OS is Mandriva G-Linux with 512MB of RAM. The GKey itself can be had in either 8GB or 16GB sizes.

Milena tells us that the Gdium feels lighter than its 1.24kg weight, and is being shown in a variety of colors. Still no word on either US or European release, however.

At their highest quality setting, the HD40 can capture up to 15hrs in AVCHD or 10hrs in MPEG-2, and the HD30 10hrs in AVCHD or 6hrs in MPEG-2. Both use JVC’s HD Gigabrid video engine, have Auto Light, Focus Assist and Manual settings, and can capture still images while simultaneously recording video (using a 2.68-megapixel sensor).

The Everio Share Station VD50, meanwhile, can connect directly to the camcorders and burn DVDs of stored footage for archiving or sharing.  Both AVCHD and MPEG-2 format media can be stored, in the form of either an AVCHD DVD or an HD data disc.  The Share Station can also connect directly to an HDTV, via component or HDMI, for instant playback.

All three devices are available in the US this month, priced at $1,299.95 for the HD40 and $999.95 for the HD30.

The three new models all have a flat design and new GUI, as well as TomTom MapShare and improved lane guidance functionality.  There’s also a new Voice Command and Control feature which allows for spoken (rather than touchscreen) control of more than 100 tasks, including planning a route of making a phonecall via the GPS’ Bluetooth.  A new docking station includes a ‘system connector’ so that the setup can be semi-integrated into the car.

Users will be able to access fuel alerts (pointing out the cheapest gas station along their route) as well as Google’s Local Search.  GO x30 LIVE will be initially available in the UK, Germany, France, Netherlands and Switzerland from Fall 2008.  Retail price for the new satnavs starts from £299 ($546) with a three-month GO x40 LIVE trial included; the ongoing monthly fee for the service is £9.95 ($18).

More photos of the new TomTom GPS units here

They’re also half the weight, which makes wall mounting all the more straightforward.  Panasonic has included Wireless HD, meaning the plasmas could potentially only require a power cable in order to work.

The 50-inch prototype was first shown at CES 2008, but the 58 and 60-inch versions are apparently worlds-firsts.  Panasonic has given no suggestion of when we could see production screens based on this super-skinny technology.

A USB 2.0 port can be used to load MPEG4 video, JPEG, MP3 and WMA files. In terms of audio, both Dolby True HD and DTS-HD are supported, and LG’s SIMPLINK connectivity also allows users to operate all functions with a single remote control.

Best of all for day-to-day use, perhaps, the booting, loading and tray opening are all reportedly much faster than rival players. Anyone who has waited what seems like an eternity for a Blu-ray movie to load up will appreciate that. The LG BD300 will be available in Europe in October 2008, price yet to be announced.

Preset cinema, sports and game modes allow the LG7000 to be instantly configured to suit those activities.  However if you’re more tempted to tweak, the Expert Mode (certified by the Imaging Science Foundation Picture Quality Calibration Institution, makes it possible to finely tune the picture at what LG are calling “a professional level”. It provides customized picture performance for specific room conditions, with up to 25 more fine adjustment points than other sets.

Connectivity includes four HDMI 1.3 ports, a USB 2.0 port compatible with memory sticks and MP3 players.  In Europe, the LG7000 will also be available with built-in Bluetooth so that users can take advantage of A2DP wireless headphones as well as send photos direct to the TV from cellphones and digital cameras.  Audio is via an invisible Mark Levinson speaker array built into the bezel.  No word on availability or pricing yet.

OS is Windows XP Home, and battery life is quoted as in excess of four hours. It has an 8.9-inch non-glare display and weighs 1kg. WiFi b/g is onboard, as is Bluetooth, and Fujitsu have also fitted an ExpressCard slot so that both UMTS ExpressCard modems and USB dongles can be used.

A 1.3-megapixel webcam and array microphone, together with a 4-in-1 card reader, round out the specifications. No sign of any SSD option. It will be available in October, priced at around €399 ($588).

Press Release:

Mini notebook with high-performance power

Fujitsu Siemens Computers presents the AMILO Mini at this year’s IFA in Berlin

Munich/Berlin, 28. August 2008 – Fujitsu Siemens Computers will today unveil its new AMILO: the AMILO Mini Ui 3520 is small and smart and extends the IT infrastructure provider’s consumer notebook family. Only 32.2 X 17.5 cm in size, the AMILO slips easily into any pocket, its Intel® Atom™N270 processor making it a small powerhouse with a battery life of more than four hours. Its removable clip-on covers, available in five colours to suit any mood, mean you can change its appearance whenever you feel like it. Particularly creative people can use the transparent cover to personalise the computer with their own photos. The mini notebook comes with Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition and has a hard disk capacity of 60 or 80 GB with a 120GB option available from December. It can be purchased as of October from specialist retailers, priced around 400 Euro.

The AMILO Mini is perfectly suited to a mobile lifestyle. Its 8.9″ non-glare display and its 1kg weight mean you can enjoy the fresh air while chatting with friends or surfing the net – all made possible with integrated WLAN and UMTS support through an express card slot, 3G USB dongle support and Bluetooth® . The array microphone and 1.3 megapixel webcam ensure outstanding picture and sound quality. Liven up your chats with the pre-installed software YouCam from Cyberlink: you can surprise your friends with an amusing 3D avatar or use the morphing tool to make them laugh with your own funny pictures. Pictures can also be easily transferred from a digital camera to the AMILO Mini using the 4-in-1 card reader or uploaded to Internet without any delay – or print them out and use them as a new cover!

This year much of IFA has been turned over to developments in home appliances, with a focus on health, comfort & lifestyle.  Whether that means more than just fridges with touchscreens in their doors remains to be seen.  Green technology should also get a look-in, with energy-efficiency and low-pollution both being fashionable phrases.

You can find out more about the companies showing at IFA 2008 here.

Rumored pricing suggested a figure in the region of €300 to €400 (around $470 to $630).  The Amilo Mini was tipped to launch in the Fall.  IFA begins at the end of August.

It seems a fair assumption that the netbook will use Intel’s Atom processor, but otherwise there’s no word on whether Fujitsu have selected solid-state or traditional storage for their first entry into the segment.  Unlike Dell’s upcoming Inspiron 910, however, Fujitsu have managed to squeeze in a full row of function-keys.

[via liliputing]